A SOLDIER has died after collapsing during training.
The teenager was said to be “one of the youngest in the regiment”.
A soldier has died after collapsing during training
Commanders refused to cancel the exercise despite extreme heat two days earlier
Commanders refused to cancel the exercise despite extreme heat two days earlier when it hit a record 40.3C in Britain.
The Army insisted the training session took place in the early morning, within strict temperature and humidity guidelines. It was understood to have been in East Anglia.
But they refused to reveal the soldier’s unit or where training took place.
Records show the temperature in Strumpshaw, Norfolk, was 26.5C while it was 24C in Chelmsford, Essex.
The soldier fell ill on July 21 and died two days later.
It follows a spate of avoidable deaths that raised “grave concerns” over Army’s “ability to learn from mistakes”.
Ex-Colonel Richard Kemp said the training should have been cancelled.
The former commander of troops in Afghanistan said: “In a short heat burst you can easily postpone training.”
At least four soldiers have died from heat injuries since 2013, including three SAS recruits who collapsed in the Brecon Beacons when it was 27C.
An inquest accused the Army of “very serious, widespread failings”.
A source said of the latest victim: “Despite the weather warning, the regiment carried on physical training.”
Next of kin have been informed.
An Army spokesman said: “Our thoughts are with soldier’s family and friends.”
A source said the case was referred to Ipswich Coroner’s Court, Suffolk.
